People's Post Constantia| Wynberg E-edition 28 October 2025
The skies above Youngsfield Military Base came alive with bursts of colour over the weekend as the Cape Town International Kite Festival returned for its full two-day format, celebrating creativity, courage and mental health awareness.
The event featured international kites, family-friendly entertainment, kite-making workshops and food stalls
This year ’ s theme, #CourageToFly, highlighted the bravery it takes to face life’s challenges and encouraged open conversations about mental
Organised by Cape Mental Health since 1994, the festival was held on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October
y g last festival that we had, and since then we have seen unprecedented challenges in everyone ’ s neighbourhood More than 1 billion people globally live with a mental health condition, and we are seeing an exponential increase in prevalence, particularly among young people,” she said
Daniel added that the kite symbolises resilience and hope “The kite spreads its wings and dances in the sky It encourages us to fly
Deputy CEO Santie Terreblanche said mental health is about coping with daily life while protecting your well-being “Mental health, for me, is to be able to show up and do what’s expected of me, and to deal with what comes my way in a way that does not cause undue anxiety or pressure It’s also knowing that today, I will give my best,” she said Among the visitors, Zimkhita Citi, a resident, shared her wish for increased support “I’d like institutions p is not only a celebration of imagination but also a fundraiser for mental health services across the province
The public attended to fly kites, support the cause, and stand in solidarity with people living with mental health conditions
As the kites soared into the sky, organisers said the event served as a reminder that mental health is a journey, not a destination, and that everyone deserves access to care and support
Mentalhealthcareispoor
With World Mental Health Awareness Month ending on Thursday 30 October, Cape Mental Health highlighted violence as a significant challenge and driving force behind South Africa ’ s surge in mental health cases
“The persistent violence in Cape Town, through ongoing gang and gender-based violence, alcohol and drug-related incidents, and taxi wars, acts as a catastrophe with several mental health consequences
Despite over 30 years of democracy, violent crime remains high, leaving communities in constant fear,” says Barbara Meyer, spokesperson for Cape Mental Health
Exposure to violence erodes mental health, causing anxiety, depression, sleep problems, PTSD, and strained relationships
Children and youth exposed to trauma face heightened emotional and behavioural challenges “The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) notes that one in five people exposed to catastrophes develop a diagnosable mental health condition, yet access to quality mental health services remains limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries
South African Federation for Mental Health
(SAFMH) recognises violence as a national emergency and a public health crisis Violence in SA is both a social and mental health crisis, but is preventable Coordinated prevention, crime interventions, support and investment in mental health services can foster safer, healthier communities,” she says Cape Mental health addresses the psychological efforts of violence through several programmes, including:
The SAVE (Sexual Abuse Victim Empowerment) programme provides psycho-legal assessments, expert court testimony and psychosocial support for survivors with mental disabilities
Their social work services supports high-crime communities with trauma debriefing, trauma informed counselling, statutory services, awareness campaigns and reintegration support
The YouthMatters programme - a schoolbased programme in five Cape Town high schools addressing bullying, gang violence, child abuse and substance abuse, helping schools develop mental health strategies
. Email barbara meyer@cmh org za or call 021 447 9040 for more information.
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Softball gives learners wings
t the tone for a vibrant mpetition and developt, this initiative is about ortunity, teaching iscipline and confidence rt, while providing a young players to dream m higher,” she says lice Youth Desk has tremendous assistance ng this league as they built relationships with hlone which allowed the tner with some of them em on board on this ve formation you can contact 244 0731 or email centralnion@gmail.com
Learners from Bokmakierie who came to the launch of the Summer Softbal League are from left: Abdul Baree, Eli Carelse, Reece Williams, Jaydon Quickfall, Moses Molaba, Dante Armstrong, Tyrese Groenewald, Joshua Groenewald and Ishtiyaaq Salie They attend different high and primary schools in the area. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Learners representing different primary schools in Athlone and surrounding areas all kitted up and ready for their first softball match in the Summer Softball League for schools They represented Norma Road Primary, Blossom Primary, Kewtown Primary and Athlone North Primary.
